Trying to save his historic Muskegon home from the wrecking ball, Victor Sieradzki apparently went too far: He deeded ownership of the house to two different parties in the same day.

A first quit-claim deed was signed with his nephew, Scott Sieradzki, at 11 a.m. Friday morning. Because it was signed and recorded first, City Attorney John Schrier said the city considers him to be the owner of the house.

Later that afternoon, the 89-year-old Sieradzki signed another deed, this one transferring the house to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The church, with financial help from the Muskegon Heritage Association, hopes to find a buyer who would restore the home, with proceeds going back to Victor Sieradzki.

Restoration is what the younger Sieradzki now hopes to accomplish, with his uncle no longer in control of the property.

But, he said, city officials told him Monday they weren't willing to work with him or relent on the demolition.

"I was shocked," he said. "To me, it's discriminatory."

Scott Sieradzki said he also heard from the Rev. Dennis Remenschneider, interim rector of St. Paul's, who asked him to give up the house to prevent its destruction.
He said no.

"This house has been in my family for 80 years," Scott Sieradzki said. "Restoring it has been my lifelong dream, it's my destiny," Sieradzki said. But they (the city) have a gun to my head."

For the complete story, return to Mlive.com or pick up a copy of Tuesday's Muskegon Chronicle.